Yoga Self

Yoga Classes in Northwest Houston

What is Yoga? Click here

What are some styles of Yoga? Click here

How do I find a good yoga teacher?  For a list of yoga teachers in Houston, you can click here at Yoga Association of Houston.  For registered Yoga teachers in your area, click here at The Yoga Alliance.  

Are you a certified?  I am a Registered Yoga Teacher. There is an agency that serves as a regulating authority on standards for Yoga professionals globally called The Yoga Alliance. I am "registered" with them at the 200-hr level, which means I've had 200 hours of yoga training that meets their requirements to teach yoga. I keep my skills current by attending training seminars, other Yoga classes, and reading Yoga books and magazines.

Are you certified to teach prenatal Yoga?  In my hours of training, I've had several hours of instruction on how to handle prenatal and postpartum issues in relationship to yoga, the do's and don'ts so to speak.

Will Yoga help me lose weight? 1-2 classes of Yoga practice by itself will not get rid of extra weight.  On the other hand, if you engage in a more rigorous form of yoga -- Ashtanga, Power yoga, Flow yoga, Hot yoga, or Bikram Yoga -- 3-5 times a week, you should see some results long term.  Yoga is a path to health.  Frequent yoga practice helps to integrate our minds and bodies as we learn to treat ourselves better. You actually want to eat healthier and exercise more because you enjoy taking care of your body. The stretching, breathing and moving in yoga class help one to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How much time do I need to spend doing Yoga?  As with any exercise, the more you do, the better you will feel and look. Yoga in any time interval is always beneficial. Just sitting up straight in your chair is half of “staff” pose. Standing up with spine lengthened, your chest lifted, tail bone tucked, abs engages and shoulders dropped, is also a pose you can do while waiting in a line or in an elevator; it's called Tadasana (mountain pose).  In my opinion, 15 minutes of Yoga a day is better than 1 hour once a week.  

Is yoga good for keeping in shape?  Yoga is an excellent  workout alternative or supplement.  Vinyasa or flow yoga, is especially great for increasing your heart rate.  Power yoga or Ashtanga yoga is good for providing strength, endurance and flexibility combined.   The muscle tone you get from Yoga is different from lifting weights.  Yoga works every muscle and organ, all the tissue in your body is effected, including the mind, keeping one viral and healthy.

What do I bring & wear to your class?  Bring a towel, water, and yoga mat.  I have spare mats to borrow.  We do Yoga class bare foot and in comfortable, form fitting work out clothes or sweats.  Loose fitting shirts or pants tend to get in the way.

I'm new to Yoga. Can I still take your class?  Of course, I welcome all people to our classes. They are informal and you are encouraged to go at your own pace. In addition, I will watch newbies for alignment in their poses. Also, There are many studios in Houston that offer beginner classes.  Please email me and I can give you more information.

When can a pregnant woman start taking your prenatal class?  It usually depends on the mom.  After consulting with your doctor, you can take a prenatal class after the 1st trimester (during the 3rd month).  If you are in shape already and have been doing yoga, you may be able to start in your first trimester...if you have any energy and your doctor approves!

What is hot yoga?  Hot yoga is yoga in a hot room, usually between 90° - 100° Fahrenheit, depending on the studio where you take the class. The heat improves flexibility and your body's ability to release toxins.  Hot yoga should not be confused with Bikram™* Yoga, which is a trademarked style of Yoga only taught by certified Bikram™* Yoga teachers.   Bikram™* Yoga is a 26 set of yoga postures done in the same sequence (each pose twice) in a 120° Fahrenheit room for 90 minutes.  Hatha Yoga is meant to be practiced in a warm room -- somewhere around 75-90° Fahrenheit;  However, beginner classes usually crank  up the air conditioner to get students adjusted slowly.  The temperature of the room all depends on the location of your yoga class and your instructor's teaching preferences.